In a message dated 8/29/01 11:32:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
llebpmac_bob@hotmail.com writes:
<< Claire-as far as I know neither the verbascum (I assume thapsis since that
is the one we have here) nor the yarrow >>
You are correct Bob, I did not check either plant before I wrote that
message. I assumed (not always a good thing) that both were either native or
established to the extent that they are more or less considered so. I note
nearly all references use the word alien and lately exotic.
The verbascum we have is locally called mullein and allowed to grow because
of the huge rosette of felted grey leaves. Thapsus is what we have and
Peterson calls it an alien. There is no way that this plant will be leaving
so knowing it native or alien may not be gardener's needy knowledge. I let
one or two seed and that takes care of acres of grassy fields and my entire
garden. Some of them grow so sturdy you need a small saw to cut them down.
They are biennial so I leave the roots. Just another lazy, older gardener's
trick.
The yarrow is Achillea millefolium. I was sort of too lazy last night to
check these spellings and sources so got it wrong. Bob you are herbalist?
You often have interesting information on garden plants. I have been growing
various yarrow in alpine forms and none have the vigor of millefolium. Next
year I am going to put a few field plants into a border where there is some
moisture and fertilize them. A little experiment as I find the the hybrids
floppy, wan in color and short lived. This millefolium has very beautiful
ferny foliage when not field grown and it has very strong stems.
By the rules of alien plants, source the Peterson Guides, I am also an alien.
Thank you Bob for the help here.
Claire Peplowski
NYS z4
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